Sycamore makes changes to on-street parking

SYCAMORE – Parking will not be allowed on the west side of North Cross Street from State to Loomis in Sycamore during the week.

Sycamore City Council approved an ordinance Aug. 5 to keep the street free of parking from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy said the change was meant to make the street safer. Drivers tend to park on both sides of the street, which receives heavy traffic from trucks.

The ordinance was initially requested by the Sycamore Police Department after it received several complaints. Many came from the city’s Public Works Department. The City Council discussed the issue June 17 and July 15.

During the June 17 meeting, several residents who live on North Cross Street came forward with concerns about the city making parking off-limits on the street. They mentioned that closing the street for parking might allow the trucks to drive faster and impede resident parking.

Sycamore City Manager Brian Gregory said letters about the proposed parking changes were sent to residents.

“No concerns had been raised at the time of writing or nothing over the weekend either,” Gregory said. “We haven’t had any feedback from any residents.”

Pete Paulsen, 2nd Ward alderman, said he checked the streets numerous times since the issue was brought to the city’s attention and didn’t find many cars parked there.

“Not many cars usually park there during the day anyway, at least not during this time of the year,” Paulsen said.

The council passed the ordinance on a 6-1 vote. Steve Braser, 3rd Ward alderman, voted against the changes.